“We are living in constant fear,” said Rakesh Singh, a local resident. “You can’t even feel safe inside your own home anymore. The Forest Department needs to act immediately before more lives are lost.”Hours later, a similar chilling incident unfolded in Srinagar Garhwal early Tuesday morning. A 32-year-old labourer, who works on the Pauri Road beyond Ganga Darshan, was attacked by a leopard while he was going to relieve himself. The injured man was admitted to the Joint Hospital for treatment.Uttarakhand, with its diverse topography, is home to a significant leopard population. These elusive predators are an integral part of the state’s ecosystem. However, rapid urbanisation, shrinking forest cover, and a depletion of natural prey have increasingly brought these apex predators into direct and often fatal conflict with human settlements.A senior Forest Department official, who wished not to be named, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of the escalating human-wildlife conflict in these areas. Our teams are on high alert, conducting regular patrols, and setting up cages in identified conflict zones. We urge residents to remain vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk, and avoid venturing out alone.”
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